Psychologist (over 30 years). Black woman. Southern. Mother, Yaya, sister, daughter. Intense believer in human beings and Spirit, lover of animals and plants.
Approach your issues with compassion and acceptance. Today's problem was a solution somewhere in your past. What normal need or desire is your present behavior or emotional state trying to satisfy? Trust yourself and figure it out. Accept help sometimes to grow into the Real You.
Mental health is NOT illness, stress, striving or even positivity and happiness. It's a fluid and layered process. It is joy, calm, courage, confidence, resilience and love. It is connection with self and others in the right amount for you. It is strength AND vulnerability.